Police fire in air to save auto driver from mob in Sitamarhi
Akhilesh Yadav alleges 'major SIR scam' in UP; accuses EC of colluding with BJP
LUCKNOW: After the poor performance of the opposition bloc in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party has intensified its tirade against the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh, with party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleging irregularities in SIR here on Saturday. He accused the Election Commission of India of working in collusion with the ruling party and cooking up a major scam in the form of SIR. The SP chief alleged that in Assembly seats where the party was strong and had emerged victorious, nearly 50,000 votes were being deleted. Such preparations are underway in UP and West Bengal, he claimed. Akhilesh said, Right now, we are entangled in SIR. We will have to fight the paper battle as well; we have to win elections. Taking a veiled jibe at the attire of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh said he was ready to jump in the ring whenever asked, but some peoples attire was such that they would not even be able to jump. Akhilesh Yadav was interacting with media persons on SP patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadavs 85th birth anniversary here on Saturday. We have seen the role of the Election Commission in the by-elections. In 2022, voters' names were removed on a large scale. The Election Commission should issue SOPs to political parties about what to do and how to do it, he said, demanding an extension of the time allotted for conducting SIR. UP is the biggest state and 415 days are left for the UP Assembly election. There is a conspiracy to remove more than 50,000 names from every assembly in UP and West Bengal. We are prepared for this. We will work hard to save democracy, he asserted. He added that contrary to the Election Commissions claim that 99 per cent of people had received the counting form, BLOs were not visiting Dalit and Muslim-populated areas. BLOs sit at ruling party leaders' places and distribute forms from there, alleged the SP chief. He also claimed that Booth Level Agents of political parties were not receiving training anywhere in UP. There is so much pressure on BLOs that they have committed suicide in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. There is no preparation. BLOs are being pressured, he said. The SP chief further accused the present dispensation of indulging in corruption. The government has no time left now. They say they will clean rivers, Mother Ganga will now go till Bengal. They will talk about Vision-2047 and discuss old issues, but won't talk about the present circumstances, he said. Calling the Union government a failure, Akhilesh said it had failed on every issue from the dollar to foreign policy. Everything is running under industrialists' control. We lost one pilot, and if we say something, they call us traitors, he added.
Work on key road yet to begin in Khagaria
Administration moves into action as Patna braces for harsh winter
In Bihar Rout, A Silver Lining For RJD: It Still Commands Muslim-Yadav Vote
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) may have suffered one of its biggest electoral setbacks in Bihar, but the Muslim-Yadav backing for the Lalu Yadav-led party has remained intact, showed an analysis of the election results by Ascendia Strategies.
Gaya residents urge new govt to deliver on development, curb corruption
Bihar: Ashok Choudhary, Shreyasi Singh take charge as state ministers
In the wake of the NDA's impressive victory, fresh faces have stepped into significant roles within Bihar's government. Ashok Choudhary takes the helm as the Rural Works Minister, while the dynamic Shreyasi Singh leads both IT and Sports. Samrat Choudhary rises to the occasion as the new Home Minister, with Nitish Kumar holding on to various departments.
BJP steps up process to elect new national president by January 2026
NEW DELHI: Following the BJPs sweeping victory in Bihar, which made it the single largest party, preparations have begun for forming the electoral colleges that will choose the partys next national president across all states. With organisational elections completed in 29 states and only major states such as Uttar Pradesh still in progress, the process of electing the new national president has entered a decisive phase. A new party chief is expected to be selected by January 2026. A senior party source indicated that the pace of the process will increase after 14 January, when Kharmas, considered an inauspicious period in the Hindu calendar, comes to an end, giving way to an auspicious phase. All preparations and processes are progressing symmetrically across regions alongside organisational elections in the states, and the new national president is expected to be elected by January 2026, a top BJP functionary said, adding that electoral colleges for the polls are being finalised. While organisational elections in 29 state units have been completed, formalities in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are still under way. Meanwhile, three names are circulating within saffron circles as potential contenders to succeed incumbent national president J. P. Nadda, who is currently serving on an extension. Keshav Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradeshs Deputy Chief Minister, and Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupender Yadav, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan are among the prominent names being discussed, a senior functionary said on Friday. Of these, Maurya, considered close to both the RSS and Amit Shah, and Pradhan, who served as election in-charge during the Bihar campaign, have emerged as the most prominent frontrunners. Maurya has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the partys ideological mentor, long before joining the BJP. He is regarded as a prolific politician with deep experience in shaping the partys electoral strategies in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, often delivering favourable results. Similarly, Dharmendra Pradhan, a Union minister in the current Modi cabinet, has established himself as a highly effective BJP leader, contributing significantly to several of the partys electoral victories in recent years, including in Bihar. If Shah crafted the strategy, Pradhan ensured its successful implementation on the ground. Both Pradhan and Shivraj Singh Chouhan could emerge as strong contenders for the post, a senior source observed.
Bihar Staff Selection Commission has announced 1,541 vacancies for its CGL 2025 exam, with applications closing tomorrow. The recruitment drive targets graduate-level posts like Assistant Section Officer and Auditor. The selection involves preliminary and mains examinations, with specific eligibility and age criteria outlined. Interested candidates should apply immediately on the official portal.
BJP may oust Nitish Kumar in a few days, says SP leader Mata Prasad Pandey
Uttar Pradesh Opposition leader Mata Prasad Pandey claims the Bharatiya Janata Party might remove Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar soon. Pandey stated the BJP's focus on Hindutva aims to create a nation lacking equality. He criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for neglecting unemployment, education, and health issues. Pandey believes Nitish Kumar could be ousted in the coming days.
Vishwa Hindi Parishad organises international Hindi conference at Vigyan Bhawan
NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindi Parishad organised an international Hindi conference at Vigyan Bhawan on the theme Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: A Symbol of Nationalism and Humanity. During the event, held in collaboration with the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, several dignitaries were honoured with the Vishwa Hindi Seva Samman on Friday. At this programme, Dr Neetu Kumari Navgeetrenowned folk singer from Bihar and brand ambassador for the Patna Municipal Corporations cleanliness awareness campaignwas presented with the Vishwa Hindi Seva Samman for her outstanding contributions in the fields of literature and culture. She is also an accomplished writer and has authored numerous articles on womens empowerment through literature. Among those present at the grand event were Acharya Lakshmi Prasad, National President of the Vishwa Hindi Parishad; National Vice-President Devi Prasad Mishra; the organisations National General Secretary Dr Vipin Kumar; and conference coordinator Professor Ramnarayan Patel, along with several other distinguished guests.
Supreme Court panel bans climbing stairs, offering darshan at Jagmohan hall of Banke Bihari temple
According to local customs and traditions, devotees are not allowed to enter the area, where only the priests on duty can facilitate worship offered by them
Bihar Board has released dummy admit cards for Class 10 and 12 exams, with a correction window closing November 27, 2025. Students must meticulously verify personal details, subjects, and exam center information. Schools will handle correction requests via official portals. Promptly reporting any errors is crucial for accurate final admit cards and records.
Nitish Kumars 20-Year Grip Finally Broken As BJP Seizes Bihar Home Ministry
The BJPs deputy CM now overseeing the police means a stronger approach towards the unruly elements in the RJD, apart from reshaping the political balance inside NDA
INDIA Bloc has to introspect while fighting for fair elections
NDA has successfully exploited insecurity over sir in Bihar Assembly Polls By Nilotpal Basu The Bihar assembly election is a watershed in the electoral history of our country. Conducted against the backdrop of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) announced on June 25, it laid out a new set of ground rules for adult franchise. The []
India implements four new labour codes; trade unions demand withdrawal, call for protest on Nov 26
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday announced the implementation of four new labour codes aimed at rationalising the existing 29 Central labour laws. Meanwhile, a coalition of ten Central trade unions have called for a nationwide protest on November 26 demanding the withdrawal of anti-worker labour laws. An official release from the Labour Ministry said the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 would come into effect from November 21. By modernising labour regulations, enhancing workers' welfare and aligning the labour ecosystem with the evolving world of work, this landmark move lays the foundation for a future-ready workforce and stronger, resilient industries driving labour reforms for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the statement said. Under the new codes, gender discrimination will be legally prohibited, with assured equal pay on par with men for women; consenting women will be permitted to work night shift and take up mining labour or heavy machinery operations. Furthermore, there will be mandatory representation of women in grievance redressal committees. Additionally, there will be a provision to add parents-in-law in the definition of family of female employees, expanding dependent coverage and ensuring inclusivity. Safety measures for women include mandatory written consent, double wages for overtime, safe transportation, CCTV surveillance, and security arrangements. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, all workers including gig and platform workers stand to get social security coverage such as PF, ESIC, and insurance. Aggregators must contribute 12% of their annual turnover, capped at 5% of the amount payable to gig and platform workers. Minimum wage will guaranteed to all workers as determined by the Central Government. Beedi and cigar workers will have the working hours capped at 8 to 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week. Over-time work will be based on consent with double the normal wage rate. Digital and audio-visual workers, including journalists in electronic media, dubbing artists, and stunt persons will now receive full benefits. Implementation of new Labour Codes to raise employers' costs but simplify compliance Despite the attractive slew of reforms set to implemented, trade unions remain apprehensive. The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions expressed strong condemnation against the blatantly unilateral implementation of anti-worker, pro employer labour codes. The coalition termed the codes a deceptive fraud committed against the working people of the nation. The Joint Platform notice was signed by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Self-employed Womens Association, Trade Union Coordination Centre, Labour Progressive Federation and United Trade Union Congress. The unions stated that the move has been opposed since the day they were enacted in 2019 through multiple protests and a general strike on July 9, 2025 when 25 crore workers participated. In spite of the stiff resistance, the Union government, dizzy with the victory in Bihar elections, has felt super empowered to make effective the four labour codes from today as per the media reports and tweets by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, the statement added. AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told TNIE , The women who will work at nights in factories and in mines will be those from the lower middle class. Who will provide them safety? Making them work night shifts is risky for them and we oppose it. Protests against the move, will begin in a minor fashion from Monday and will culminate on November 26. We had already planned a protest on the day but it will be much more intense due to the step taken today, she added. Welcoming the step, the Geneva-based International Social Security Organisation (ISSO) said, Indias Labour Codes add momentum to global efforts for stronger, more inclusive social security systems. ISSA welcomes this milestone and encourages sustained investment in coverage, protection and institutional capacity. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the National Front of Indian Trade Unions and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union have also backed the move.
DC Edit | Will Nitishs Tenth Term Start New Era for Bihar?
More than a mere political survivor, Nitish is a phenomenal reader of social arithmetic and engineering with wide appeal that goes beyond caste as a record turnout of female supporters and youth demonstrated
Youths body found near home in Vaishali
Delhi police arrest Congress worker over misleading social media post on vote-chori
BHOPAL: A Congress worker Manjeet Ghoshi was arrested by Delhi Police from his village in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning after he posted an old video of a protest in Rajasthan claiming that it was from a vote-chori protest in Bihar. According to informed sources in the Narsinghpur district police, a Delhi police team and a team from Rajasthan Police had come in connection with a tweet made by Ghoshi. Ghoshi had posted on the X, a video of a torch light procession which was actually taken out in September in Rajasthans Jhalawar district, demanding justice for the victims of a school tragedy. Posting the video three days after the Bihar assembly polls result, Ghoshi had falsely claimed that the visuals pertained to a procession by people, after the BJP came to power through vote chori (vote theft) in Bihar, informed sources said. While the Narsinghpur districts additional SP Sandeep Bhuria, confirmed the arrest by Delhi Police team, he was unable to divulge much about the case. The Congress workers brother Laxmikant said that Manjeet was taken in custody at around 7 am in connection with his recent post on X. My brother is associated with the Congress and he has been taken in custody by the Delhi police team in connection with a recent tweet (post on X), Manjeets elder brother Laxmikant told journalists. Angered over the arrest, the Congress workers led by the Narsinghpur district Congress president and former MLA Sunita Patel demonstrated outside the Narsinghpur district police superintendents office for two hours. Our worker Manjeet Ghoshis arrest in Narsinghpur district, based on a tweet, is against democratic rights. In protest against this dictatorship, the District Congress staged a sit-in protest outside the Superintendent of Police's office, the state Congress said in its official statement.
Male sterilisation drive launched
Digital cartography to transform devpt planning: Expert
In an exciting transformation of development strategies, NHA CEO Sunil Kumar Barnwal has spotlighted the impact of digital cartography. During an international conference in Gaya, he outlined how this technology underpins initiatives like the Ayushmaan Bharat scheme, granting healthcare professionals immediate access to patient records for enhanced diagnosis.
Anger in Madhubani as Nitish Mishra dropped from Nitish cabinet
Allocation of home portfolio to Samrat signals BJPs influence
Bihar womens wing president of Congress quits; protests shake party
Woman dies, many injured as bus overturns in Patna district
Disaster struck on the Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama highway as a bus filled with hopeful pilgrims flipped over, resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to over 24 passengers. The bus, making its way from Ayodhya to Simaria Dham, was thrown into chaos when the bus owner took control, believing he could manage better than the sleepy driver.
J P Ganga Path Phase-2 work set to begin in Jan next year
Kicking off in January, the ambitious 35.65km Phase-2 extension of the J P Ganga Path will stretch from Digha to Koilwar, with an investment of Rs 5,500 crore. This project, incorporating an impressive 18km elevated roadway, aims to enhance access to five vital Ganga bridges and the Sone River bridge, marking a new era in connectivity.
New Bihar cabinet reignites debate over dynastic politics
East Champaran left out of new Nitish cabinet
Khagaria rejoices as Dilip Jaiswal becomes industries minister
Khagaria bursts into celebration as Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, a veteran leader from the BJP, steps into the role of Industries Minister, marking a much-anticipated return to cabinet representation after nearly two decades.
Chirag to revive Dalit Sena, embark on Bihar Yatra soon
Chirag Paswan is embarking on a transformative Bihar Yatra to tackle pressing local concerns and to rejuvenate the Dalit Sena. He conveyed his approval of his party securing two ministerial positions in Bihar, with aspirations to extend the LJP (RV) reach across the nation.
Samrat gets home portfolio, finance goes to JD(U) leader as Nitish distributes portfolios
Bihar's changing power equations: BJP's Samrat Chaudhary gets home portfolio
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has relinquished the home portfolio for the first time in two decades. Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary of the BJP now holds this crucial charge. The JDU has secured finance and commercial taxes. This portfolio allocation reflects evolving power structures within the NDA in Bihar.
Bihar Govt Gives Home Portfolio to BJP After 20 Years
The chief minister has kept the general administration department, Cabinet secretariat and vigilance portfolios with himself.
Portfolios allotted to Bihar ministers, Samrat Chowdhury assigned Home dept
Patna: The Home portfolio of Bihar, which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kept with himself all through his nearly 20-year-long tenure, has been given to his deputy, BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, this time, according to an official notification issued on Friday. On the other hand, the Finance portfolio, which has been held by the BJP whenever Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Snake venom worth Rs 80 crore seized in Jharkhand; three smugglers arrested
RANCHI: A joint team of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has seized snake venom worth approximately 80 crore in the international market. According to PTR officials, they recovered a total of 1.2 kg of snake venom, collected locally and prepared for smuggling abroad. The team also recovered 2.5 kg of pangolin scales during the operation. PTR officials stated that the operation was conducted on the basis of a tip-off received about the illegal trade of snake venom in the Palamu region. Three alleged smugglers, including a father and son, have been arrested in the case. Operation against the entire network is still on and the poison, which was collected locally, has also been recovered. We will send the recovered material to the laboratory for testing, said PTR Deputy Director Prajeshkant Jena. He, however, refused to divulge further details, citing that raids are still ongoing. The seized venom is valued at approximately 80 crore in the international market, while the pangolin scales are valued at around 20 lakh. Those arrested have been identified as Mohammad Siraj (60), a resident of Dev in Bihars Aurangabad district; his son Mohammad Miraj (36); and Raju Kumar Shaundik (50), a resident of Kauwakhoh under Hariharganj police station in Palamu. Raju runs a shop in the Hariharganj market and also sells herbs for a living. According to information provided by forest officials, they had received a tip-off that snake venom was being collected locally and sold in the international market. Based on this information, the accused were kept under surveillance for several days. First, the father-son duo was arrested from Bihar, followed by the arrest of Raju Kumar Shaundik from Hariharganj. Investigations revealed that Raju was involved in the jaggery trade as well as the smuggling of snake venom, said a local forest official requesting anonymity. The arrested persons have also admitted during interrogation that the venom was collected locally and supplied to the international market, he added. Notably, snake venom is used as a drug and is priced at up to 8 lakh per gram in the international market. Officials added that the phones of the accused have been seized and the entire network involved in the illegal trade of snake venom and pangolin scales is being investigated. The pangolin scales recovered during the raid belong to a rare mammal. These scales are used in the manufacture of medicines in China, Vietnam and several other countries, generating high demand in the international market.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar allocates portfolios to newly inducted Ministers
PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday allocated portfolios to newly inducted ministers, a day after they were sworn in at a mega event held at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Home Department, which had been held by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar even since he took reins of the State in 2005, has now gone to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after several rounds of discussions among NDA partners over portfolio allocation. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been assigned the Home portfolio. Notably, Samrat stoked a controversy over his educational qualifications earlier. Only 18 out of the 26 ministers who were sworn in on Thursday have been allocated portfolios. Prashant Kishor accepts full responsibility for Jan Suraajs Bihar Poll debacle Caste and social engineering balance in Nitish cabinet 10.0 Deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has been assigned the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, while Mangal Pandey will head both the Health and Law Departments. Dilip Jaiswal, who is also holding charge of the State BJP, has been appointed as the Industries minister. Nitin Nabin has been assigned to Road construction as well as the Urban Development and Housing Departments. Ram Kripal Yadav will serve as the Agriculture minister, and Sanjay Tiger shall take charge of the Labour Resources Department. Arun Shankar Prasad has been given the Tourism Department, in addition to the Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Department. Surendra Mehta will handle Animal Husbandry and the Fisheries Resources Department, and Narayan Prasad will head the Disaster Management Department. Rama Nishad will oversee the Backward and Extremely Backward Class Welfare Department. Lakhendra Kumar Raushan will look after the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes department, whereas Shreyasi Singh will manage the Information Technology and Sports Departments. Pramod Kumar has been allotted the Co-operatives and Environment, Forest and Climate Change department. Only 187 of 1,700 trans gender electors voted in Bihar Assembly polls, Election Commission data shows
In Nitish Kumar 10.0 Cabinet, Big Change As JDU Boss Hands Home To BJP
Nitish Kumar led his Janata Dal to an emphatic win in the Bihar election, picking up 85 seats 42 more than its 2015 result and only four fewer than allies BJP and retained his hold on the Chief Minister's chair, but he gave up the Home portfolio.
With only 187 (excluding postal votes) of the total 1,701 (including service voters) registered electors having cast their vote in the recently held Bihar Assembly polls, the representation of third genders in the electoral process remains dismally low. The lone trans gender candidate contested the poll, only to lose deposit, Election Commission data revealed. Less than 200 trans genders voters participating in an election that concluded with a historic voter turnout of 67.13%in Bihar since1951, points to critical examination over measures to be taken for vibrant representation of trans gender individuals' needs and concerns in future. However, Index cards published on ECINet on 17 November 2025 highlight the highest everparticipation byfemale voterswitha polling percentage of 71.78 per cent in Bihar since 1951. It also stated that zero appeals were madeagainst the wrongful inclusion or exclusion of any electorafter Special Intensive Revision (SIR)in Bihar in any of the38 districtsfromany of the electorsorany of the 12 recognised political parties. It also highlighted that zero repolls took placein the Bihar Assembly Elections, 2025. Meanwhile, a paper in 2024 by Sayantika Sen and Vani Narula titled Transgender Inclusivity in Democracy: The Power of Transgender Advocacy, Civic Engagement and Political Participation in India states, despite efforts towards inclusivity, transgender individuals persistently encounter political marginalisation, exacerbated by heteronormative legal perspectives. It also highlighted that despite constitutional mandates advocating for equality, empirical evidence underscores a notable dearth of transgender representation in local self-government, resulting in diminished electoral participation. There were 2,616 candidates in fray and 243 won, while 2,107 lost their deposit.
Migrant workers fill gaps in Tiruchis farm sector
As local residents eschew agricultural occupations in Tamil Nadu, migrant labourers from Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha working on the paddy fields has become a common sight in Cauvery delta districts
SP questions Congress' role in UP alliance after Bihar election setback
LUCKNOW : Congress poor performance in the Bihar Assembly elections has prompted its INDI Alliance partner, the Samajwadi Party(SP), to reassess the partys electoral viability ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027. Much like Bihar, the Grand Alliance in UP is positioning itself against the BJP-led NDA, but Congress weak showing in the neighbouring state has raised concerns within the SP. Contrary voices have begun emerging from the Samajwadi Party and Congress camps in UP. Two senior leaders from each party have engaged in expressing opposing views over the INDI blocs leadership. As in Bihar, Congress remains a diminishing force in Uttar Pradesh with a dwindling vote bank, while the SP continues to rely heavily on the MuslimYadav (MY) equation as its core vote base, similar to the RJD in Bihar. This similarity has led the SP to proceed cautiously in seat-sharing negotiations for the UP Assembly elections. A senior SP leader, former minister and current MLA Ravidas Mehrotra, has sought the SP chief to take on the role of leading the INDI bloc. In response, Congress MP from Saharanpur has rushed to clarify that his leader Rahul Gandhi was the undisputed leader of the INDI Alliance. Many senior SP leaders believe that the Congress should make space for regional satraps to lead the alliance. They argue that since the SP was the second-largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha and the main opposition in Uttar Pradesh, politically the most crucial state in the country, its chief should be accepted as the leader of the INDI Alliance. According to them, Congress performance in Bihar, with a strike rate of just 10 per cent, reflected the shrinking base of the grand old party. In the 2022 UP Assembly elections, the SP had an alliance with several regional parties. Its major allies included the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), which received 33 seats, and the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SUBSP), which was allocated 17 seats. Among the remaining 10 seats, Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) was given five, Shivpal Yadavs party received one, Mahandal got two, and the Janwadi Party was allotted one seat. Pallavi Patel of Apna Dal (K) contested on the SP symbol, and Shivpal Yadavs party has since merged with the SP. Based on this earlier structure, the SP estimates it must leave around 5060 seats for allies, keeping roughly 340 seats for itself. An SP leader also noted that seat distribution would be based strictly on the organisational strength of each ally. Notably, Congress could secure only six of the 61 seats it contested in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections. On the other hand, Congress leaders, while stressing that every assembly election is different, claim that the SPCongress alliance remains intact in Uttar Pradesh. Some of them, particularly leaders like Imran Masood, reiterate that there is no alternative to Rahul Gandhi heading the INDI Alliance and suggest that the SP and its chief Akhilesh Yadav should focus on Uttar Pradesh and the upcoming state elections.
Return To Sender: 1 In 8 Postal Ballots Rejected In Bihar Elections
Bihar recorded 201,444 postal ballots, of which 23,918 were rejecteda rejection rate of 11.87%
Bihar Cabinet: CM Nitish Kumar hands over home department to BJP's Samrat Chaudhary; who got what
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has assigned portfolios to his coalition cabinet a day after taking oath for his tenth term. With 89 seats, the BJP now holds the largest share of ministries. Samrat Chaudhary has taken charge of Home, Vijay Kumar Sinha will handle Land and Revenue as well as Mines and Geology, Mangal Pandey will oversee Health and Law, and Dilip Jaiswal returns to Industries.
Bihar polls: Nearly 24,000 of over 2 lakh postal ballots rejected
Bihar assembly elections saw a significant number of postal ballots rejected. Election Commission data reveals almost 24,000 out of over two lakh postal votes were not counted. This occurred during the recent two-phased election. The overall voter turnout was the highest ever recorded in the state. Women voters exceeded men in participation across numerous polling stations.
Ruturaj Gaikwad To Lead Maharashtra In 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named Maharashtras captain for the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting on November 26, said the Maharashtra Cricket Association announced on Friday. Gaikwad heads into the tournament on the back of strong form for India A in their 50-over series in Rajkot, where he amassed 210 runs, including a century. Maharashtra will play its groupstage fixtures at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and will start their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 26. Apart from J&K, Maharashtra will also face off against Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Chandigarh in their Elite Group B league matches. Meanwhile, Shubham Khajuria has been named captain of the J&K team. The squad includes fast bowler Umran Malik and hardhitting batter Abdul Samad, both of whom bring valuable experience to the side whose fortunes in the Ranji Trophy have been on a high. For their white-ball games, they will have the services of their guest player leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin, who previously played for Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh. Previously, Jharkhand named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their captain for the tournament, where they are slotted in Elite Group D, alongside Delhi, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura in Ahmedabad. Karnataka, meanwhile, have named Mayank Agarwal as their captain, with availability of Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna and KL Rahul depending on their selection for the ongoing multi-format series against South Africa. Previously, Jharkhand named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their captain for the tournament, where they are slotted in Elite Group D, alongside Delhi, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura in Ahmedabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir squad: Qamran Iqbal, Shubham Khajuria (c), Vivrant Sharma, Musaif Aijaz, Abdul Samad, Yawer Hassan, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (vc), Abid Mushtaq, Vanshaj Sharma, Ashwin Murugan, Yudhvir Singh, Auqib Nabi, Umran Malik, Nasir Lone, and Sunil Kumar Article Source: IANS
NDAs Win In Bihar Biggest Endorsement Of PM Modis Leadership: Dharmendra
The minister says the mandate was a clear reaffirmation of trust in the NDAs governance model
We are also covering: BJP's Samrat Choudhary getting the Bihar Home Ministry, new labor laws coming into effect today, and other top stories.
NDA regains ground in Shahabad as smaller parties split oppn vote
BREAKING: First in 20 years, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar gives Home Ministry to BJP
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has given the Home Ministry to BJP's Samrat Choudhary.
VIP functionary shot dead in East Champaran
'Would Ensure Women Get Rs 2 Lakh': Prashant Kishor's New Mission After Bihar Poll Rout
Kishor said his party would personally reach out to every household in the state to help women access the promised amount by the NDA
Did the SIR process decide Bihars election outcome? Data says No
The NDAs advantages registered in the Lok Sabha elections in terms of vote share differences with the MGB remained mostly intact, despite a decrease in electorate numbers following the SIR
Karnataka Congress Faces Strain: Siddaramaiah Unwilling To Quit, DK Shivakumar Wont Yield
After the Bihar debacle, the completely demoralised party bosses are in no mood to rock the Karnataka boat and have adopted a wait and watch approach.
Sanskrit Education in Bihar: Colleges Used As Cattle Sheds, Schools in Ruins
The Quint's team visited Sanskrit schools in Darbhanga and nearby districts, and what we found was deeply alarming.
Kurmi, Kushwaha surge spurs Nitish Kumars ascent yet again in Bihar
Kurmis and Kushwahas have become the decisive force behind Nitish Kumar's 10th swearing-in, with their assembly representation reaching record highs. This surge within the NDA's social coalition contrasts with a steep decline in Muslim and Yadav representation following the Mahagathbandhan's collapse.
Dont want to come across as greedy by asking Dy CMs post: Chirag Paswan
Patna: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Friday asserted that he did not wish to come across as greedy by demanding the deputy chief ministers post, as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allocating two berths to his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in the new Bihar cabinet. Addressing a press conference here, Paswan also Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihar Congress women's wing chief resigns, dissidents demonstrate outside party office
Bihar's political landscape is in upheaval as the Congress faces the fallout from disappointing assembly election results. Sarwat Jahan Fatima has stepped down as the president of Mahila Congress, citing the inadequate representation of women candidates and her own exclusion from the ticket list.
More Votes, Fewer Seats: The Mathematics Behind RJDs Bihar Defeat
The RJD contested the highest number of seats (143), but its average votes per seat were far lower than its major rivals.
Bankey Bihari temple Live Streaming: Devotees worldwide may soon connect with Vrindavan's Sri Bankey Bihari temple through live streaming of daily 'darshan', expected to begin by Holi next year. A high-powered committee has approved a firm for this service, alongside new rules for temple collection boxes and enhanced maintenance efforts.
Nitish Kumar's new cabinet full of corrupts, criminals, alleges Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor criticizes Nitish Kumar's new Bihar cabinet, calling it corrupt. He announces the 'Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra' starting January 15. Party workers will visit every home to raise awareness about government misdeeds. Kishor pledges to donate most of his income and assets to fund the party's campaign. He expresses confidence in changing the government through patience and perseverance.
SIR for purification of voters' list, Bihar win mandate against infiltrators in country: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP-led NDA's Bihar victory a mandate against infiltrators, stating parties supporting illegal immigrants will not be favored. He described the Election Commission's special intensive revision as 'purification' of voter lists, vowing to deport every infiltrator.
Bihars Nitish Kumar and other Chief Ministers with most years in office: Infographics
JD(U) veteran Nitish Kumar took oath for the tenth time as Bihars Chief Minister on November 21 after the National Democratic Alliance swept the Assembly polls. Here is a look at other Chief Ministers who have served many years in office.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the BJP-led NDAs sweeping victory in the Bihar assembly elections reflected a strong public mandate against infiltrators, and accused Opposition parties of shielding illegal immigrants by resisting the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking at the BSFs 61st Raising Day celebrations in Bhuj, Kutch, Shah said parties opposing the SIR exercise want to ensure that names of infiltrators remain on the voters list. He described the SIR as a purification process crucial for protecting Indias democratic system. Stopping infiltration is essential not only for national security but also for safeguarding our democracy. Some political parties are weakening the anti-infiltration campaign, Amit Shah said, adding that the government is committed to deporting every single infiltrator. Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal, have alleged that the SIR could disenfranchise lakhs of valid voters. Shah countered that no political party supporting infiltrators will gain public support. The Bihar election was a clear mandate against infiltrators, he said. The NDA won over 200 seats in the 243-member Assembly, decimating the Mahagathbandhan. The Home Minister also hailed the BSFs role in counter-insurgency and anti-Naxal operations. He said combined efforts of security forces will make India free from the Naxal menace by March 31, 2026. In Chhattisgarh, he noted, the BSF has secured the surrender of 127 Maoists, arrested 73 and neutralised 22. EC working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
SIR for purification of voters list, Bihar win mandate against infiltrators, says Amit Shah
Amit Shah was addressing the BSF Diamond Jubilee (61st Raising Day) celebrations in Bhuj, in Gujarats Kutch district
Bihar: Prashant Kishor outlines plan after poll rout; urge people to donate Rs 1,000 to Jan Suraaj
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor pledged to donate 90% of his income for the next five years to fund his party's campaign after its debut Bihar assembly election failure. He also criticised the Nitish Kumar cabinet as corrupt and accused the ruling alliance of vote-buying through cash transfers, vowing to ensure women receive promised funds.
Buoyed by its strong Bihar results, the BJP has launched an aggressive strategy for the West Bengal Election 2026.
Labourer killed, three injured as shuttering collapses at construction site in Himachal Pradesh
SHIMLA: A labourer died and three were injured when the shuttering of an under-construction indoor stadium collapsed in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, police said on Friday. The deceased was identified as Tarkeshwar (34) from Kishanganj district in Bihar, they said. The shuttering of the stadium collapsed on the four labourers at the construction site in the Bargaha area on Thursday night. Other labourers immediately swung into action and pulled them out, but Tarkeshwar died, police said. The body will be handed over to Tarkeshwar's family after post-mortem. The injured labourers -- Lalu Kumar, Deenbandhu and Balkeshwar -- are undergoing treatment at Chamba Medical College, they said. The multi-storey indoor stadium, which is being built at a cost of Rs 11.12 crore, will include modern amenities such as a swimming pool, elevator, boxing ring, gymnasium, badminton courts, and a table tennis hall once completed.
New Nitish Kumar cabinet full of corrupts, criminals, alleges Prashant Kishor
BETTIAH: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday alleged that the new cabinet of the Nitish Kumar government was full of corrupt and criminal leaders. Speaking to reporters after a day-long silent fast at Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran, Kishor also said his party will launch the 'Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra' on January 15, during which Jan Suraaj Party workers will visit all houses in the state. The new cabinet of Nitish Kumar, which took oath on Thursday, is full of corrupts and criminals. I must say that this council of ministers is a slap on the face of the people of Bihar. It's like rubbing salt on the wound as several corrupt leaders were inducted, he alleged. Kishor claimed the leaders inducted into the cabinet indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Kumar are least concerned about Bihar.
WebQoof Recap: Misinformation Around Bihar Election Data, Delhi Blast, & More
Here are the viral pieces of false claims that we fact-checked this week!
Watch: Pregnant woman dragged by policeman on scooter in Patna; video sparks outrage
A disturbing video has emerged showing a Bihar Police officer dragging a pregnant woman on a scooter along Patna's Marine Drive. The clip, shared by the Indian Youth Congress, has ignited widespread online outrage. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Caste and social engineering balance in Nitish cabinet 10.0
NEW DELHI: Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihars Chief Minister with a 26-member Cabinet crafted to carefully balance caste groups an exercise in social engineering that continues to shape the states governance. The lineup includes one Muslim, one Yadav, and three women, reinforcing the NDAs commitment to broad social representation. The central feature of the new Cabinet is its careful blend of senior leaders and 10 first-time ministers, making clear that caste equationsmore than overt development agendasshaped the final appointments. As one senior NDA leader put it, It was the caste-equation that basically helped us with an equal degree of trust in NiMo leadership. So, this time, the Cabinet has given due care in ensuring participation of almost all prominent castes. Among the familiar names retained were Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both influential leaders who earlier served as deputy chief ministers. The JD(U) continued with seasoned ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, and Shrawan Kumar. On the BJP side, Mangal Pandey, Pramod Kumar, Surendra Prasad Mehta, and Nitin Nabin held their ground, whether for caste balance or continuity. A major new entrant was BJP state president Dileep Jaiswal. His inclusion hinted that the party would soon appoint a new state chief under its one person, one post policy. Narayan Prasad also made a notable return after losing his berth in 2022 when Nitish Kumar briefly exited the NDA. Smaller allies too retained their presence, with HAM(S) nominating Santosh Kumar Suman, son of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. The cabinets new faces showed the NDAs attempt to expand its social reach. Olympian shooter and MLA Shreyasi Singh from Jamui and Aurai MLA Rama Nishad, daughter-in-law of former Union Minister Jaynarayan Nishad, were inducted. They are both seen as part of efforts to strengthen the partys support among women and EBC Mallah voters. Deepak Prakash, son of RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, also entered despite not being a legislator, with plans to move him to the legislative council soon. And to further chip away at the Yadav vote bank, the BJP even included former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, elected from the Yadav-dominated Danapur seat. The challenges ahead for NDA govt Fulfilling key financial promises like providing `2 lakh to women and implementing the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana Creating employment is crucial as a big part of Bihars population still migrates to industrialised states Accelerating industrialisation is important as Bihar continues to lag far behind, making industrial growth a must to reduce unemployment Maintaining law and order is a politically sensitive issue, especially as the NDA frequently invokes the jungle raj narrative Ensuring visible progress for OBCs, Dalits and EBCs, whose support powered the NDAs mandate Managing alliance coordination on policy execution and sensitive issues like Waqf reforms Responding to Opposition pressure is not easy as the RJD and Jan Suraaj Party will continue demanding accountability on jobs, development, and other promises
Ace shooter aims high, becomes youngest minister in Team Nitish
PATNA: Shreyasi Singh, 34, is an Olympian shooter and one of Indias leading sportswomen who has now become the youngest minister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet. The two-term MLA from Jamui joins the Bihar government carrying both her sporting laurels and a rising political profile. She is the youngest daughter of the late Digvijay Singh, a former Union minister in the Chandra Shekhar government, and of former MP Putul Kumari. However, her first stage was not a political rally; it was the shooting range. Long before she took the ministerial oath, she lifted the tricolour on international podiums. An Olympian and one of Indias most decorated shooters, Shreyasis sporting arc is studded with milestones: a gold in Womens Double Trap at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, a silver in Glasgow in 2014, and a bronze at the Asian Games in Incheon the same year. She also became the first player from Bihar to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, riding on the momentum of her gold at the 61st National Shooting Championship. The Arjuna Award that adorns her shelf is only a formal acknowledgement of her achievements. After being sworn in, she thanked her voters and pledged to work harder for them. An MBA from Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, she enters the cabinet with assets of Rs 7.6 crore, liabilities of Rs 13.3 lakh, and an annual income of Rs 94.2 lakh. She is likely to receive the sports portfolio. Shreyasi Singh stands at a rare intersection: Olympian precision and political instinct combine in one of Bihars youngest ministers. New charge Nitish Kumar cabinet has 26 ministers, including 10 newcomers Senior JD(U) ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Shrawon Kumar retained HAM(S)s Santosh Kumar Suman reinducted; LJP(RV) secured 2 seats Senior BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha (both former Deputy CMs), retained BJPs Dilip Jaiswal and Narayan Prasad have made a comeback after previous exits New faces include shooter-turned-MLA Shreyasi Singh, Aurai MLA Rama Nishad & Deepak Prakash
How welfare delivery shaped, but did not decide, Bihars elections
The Bihar verdict reflects how widespread welfare delivery, clear credit attribution, and powerful job promises shaped voter choices
The caste and class factors in the NDAs victory in Bihar
The majority of upper caste voters, OBCS (except Yadavs), and Dalits chose the NDA, as did a majority of the upper and middle class voters
Bihar: Humble gamcha has its moment under the sun, courtesy PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the 'gamcha' during his victory speech and at the swearing-in ceremony in Patna resonated with supporters, highlighting its significance as a cultural symbol.
Bihar: Kurmis & Kushwahas power Nitish Kumar's rise, two decades on
Nitish Kumar's rise was fueled by Kurmi and Kushwaha support, and their assembly representation has now reached a new high. This surge, particularly within Nitish's JDU, highlights the gains of these intermediary backward castes within the NDA's social coalition, while Muslim and Yadav representation has declined.
Bihar: Nitish 10.0 takes oath with 14 mantris from BJP, 8 from JDU
Bihar: Nitish Kumar is back in command with NDA cabinet built on social, caste math
Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister for a record tenth time, leading a 25-member NDA cabinet. The new ministry features a broad social mix, balancing caste and regional considerations with representation from EBC, Rajput, Kushwaha, Kurmi, SC, Paswan, Yadav, Vaishya, Brahmin, and Kayastha communities.
ET Newsmaker: Nitish Kumar gets fresh room to push his social reset model
Nitish Kumar gains renewed political space to push his social-reform model in Bihar, built on womens empowerment, caste-inclusive governance, education reforms and decades of development-focused leadership.
New reckoning: on Nitish Kumars tenth term in Bihar
Nitish Kumars tenth term must deliver economic transformation for Bihar
Sadhu, Subhash, & now Sanjay: The men testing Yadav clan in Bihar
The Yadav family faces new political battles. Tejashwi Yadav is managing internal family disputes and party challenges. His siblings, Rohini Acharya and Tej Pratap Yadav, have voiced grievances and taken independent political steps. These family dynamics are impacting the RJD's future. Tejashwi's leadership is crucial for the party's upcoming elections.
The game-changer in the Bihar election 2025
While the scale of the NDAs victory was resounding, there needs to be closer analysis of the much-touted impact of the new MY vote Mahila (women) and Yuva (youth-vote)
Dularchand Yadav murder case: Anant Singhs bail plea rejected
Training on bridge & pavement design for RWD engineers begins at IIT-P
Nitish retains only JD(U) seniors, drops 4 ministers
In a strategic reshuffle, the Bihar cabinet has welcomed eight seasoned JD(U) legislators, with ages ranging from 52 to 79. This shift saw the departure of four ministers from the former cabinet, catching some insiders off guard. However, the party leaders quickly rallied around Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's steadfast leadership and the NDA's renewed triumph.
Power balance shifts as BJP secures most berths in new cabinet
In a remarkable political comeback, Nitish Kumar has taken the oath of office as Bihar's Chief Minister for the tenth time, as BJP solidifies its dominance by securing the highest number of seats. The party not only claimed a majority of ministerial posts but also kept the Deputy CM positions, overcoming earlier disputes regarding the Speaker's role.
BJP says new NDA govt in Bihar to ensure devpt with social balance
In a vibrant inauguration ceremony, Nitish Kumar's NDA government in Bihar has taken the reins, with the BJP applauding its promise of equitable growth and prosperity. Key figures from LJP(RV) and RLM pledged their allegiance to the state's development ambitions.
Nitish charts new milestone with 10th oath
In a historic milestone, Nitish Kumar has made headlines by being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time. This achievement, which spans a remarkable 25 years, positions him ahead of other longstanding Indian leaders in terms of oath-taking ceremonies.
Shooter to engineer: 10 new faces in Nitish cabinet
In a dynamic reshuffle, Bihar's cabinet now boasts ten newcomers alongside the seasoned leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Standout figures include Shreyasi Singh, a celebrated gold medalist from the Commonwealth Games, and Deepak Prakash, son of prominent leader Upendra Kushwaha.
Chirag: New NDA govt to ensure devpt with social balance
